Black Adam - A Powerful Concept Weighed Down by Execution
Black Adam had all the makings of something special. The premise was solid, the action sequences were packed with potential, and the DCEU could have used a darker, more complex antihero to freshen up the superhero landscape. Unfortunately, what should have been a thrilling addition to the franchise falls short due to a series of missed opportunities in pacing, character development, and style.
The film kicks off with an incredibly DC-Esquea start. From the convoluted plot to excessive use of tired DC tropes, it feels like a relic from a bygone era of superhero filmmaking. The exposition is heavy-handed, taking up far too much time that could have been better spent developing characters or advancing the story. By the time the film finally pulls itself together towards the end, the audience has already been numbed by its sluggish pacing, awkward scene transitions, and inconsistent tone. At the heart of it, the movie feels disjointed, with some sections dragging on and others stumbling toward the finish line.
While Black Adam may have its flaws in execution, production value is where the film shines—though, unfortunately, not always in the right way. Many of the visual effects felt outdated, reminiscent of leftover footage from earlier comic book adaptations. The cinematography falters under poor post-production choices, with sepia overlays, excessive slow-motion, and gratuitous blood sprays taking center stage. These stylistic choices, while they may have worked in past films, now feel like relics of a more juvenile era. The decision to heavily rely on CGI also left some sequences feeling stilted and artificial, with shots of Dr. Fate that are almost laughably reminiscent of Bruce Banner’s floating head in Hulk buster armor.
For the casual viewer, I would not recommend Black Adam. The film plays heavily to comic book fans, but even they might find themselves frustrated with its inconsistencies. The attempted social commentary—particularly the parallel between U.S. intervention in foreign countries and the development of WMDs—is there, but it’s watered down in a way that diminishes its impact. If you're a fan of the DCEU, it’s almost mandatory viewing just to keep up with the growing mythology, but it doesn’t quite meet the high expectations set by its predecessors.
However, one element of the film did leave a lasting impact: Dr. Fate. Pierce Brosnan's portrayal of Kent Nelson was the highlight of the movie. Brosnan carries the film with a gravitas that makes the character stand out as one of the most compelling parts of the DCEU to date. His performance was layered, complex, and easily the most enjoyable aspect of Black Adam. Watching Brosnan command the screen, it became clear that a solo Dr. Fate film is now more necessary than ever, and I’m sure I’m not alone in hoping for that.
On the other hand, the character of Adriana and her quest for the crown felt completely underdeveloped. Why was she searching for it in the first place? And why would Black Adam stick around with her and her kid for so long? These plot points were never fully explained, which left me puzzled and frankly, a little disengaged. The kid, initially tolerable, soon became a distraction. Instead of being a character that added depth to the story, he turned into an annoying plot device that detracted from the more engaging elements of the film.
Black Adam's biggest issue, however, is its lead: Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. While he’s great at what he does—market himself and deliver big action scenes—his portrayal of Black Adam falls flat. The character’s supposed to be angry, stoic, and driven by vengeance, but The Rock's natural charisma is completely absent here. The film’s attempt at humor feels out of place, with Johnson’s stone-faced portrayal doing little to elevate the moments that should have been more lighthearted. Even when Black Adam finally cracks a smile, it feels forced, undermining the character’s potential. The Rock leaves his trademark charm at the door, and it’s a noticeable absence throughout the film.
Ultimately, Black Adam’s biggest flaw is its failure to realize its potential. It’s a film filled with great ideas and powerful characters, but it’s bogged down by poor pacing, lackluster direction, and a lead performance that never quite clicks. It’s not without its moments—Brosnan’s Dr. Fate and the intriguing setup for future DCEU films, particularly—but the film struggles to find its footing in a universe that’s already struggling to define itself. Fans of the DCEU will find plenty to discuss, but for the casual moviegoer, Black Adam may feel like a missed opportunity.
In the end, we’re left wanting more—more depth, more clarity, and above all, more Dr. Fate. Let’s hope the next chapter in the DCEU finally gives us a film that lives up to the promise of its characters.
-The Muse
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